In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient construction, a groundbreaking study led by Kamila Ewelina Mazur from the Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute in Poland, has shed light on the potential of biomass materials as thermal insulators in agricultural buildings. The research, published in ‘Energies’, explores how biomass can significantly reduce carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency, offering a promising alternative to traditional insulation materials.
The study compares two types of piggery construction: one using conventional materials like concrete and the other employing biomass-based materials, specifically hempcrete. The findings reveal a stark contrast in carbon footprint between the two methods. The traditional building (TB) variant, which includes layers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), glass wool, and brick, has a carbon footprint of 22,537.02 kg CO2 eq. In contrast, the hempcrete building (HB) variant, made of concrete blocks with industrial hemp shives, boasts a carbon footprint of -43,736.16 kg CO2 eq. This dramatic difference underscores the potential of biomass materials to not only mitigate but potentially reverse the carbon impact of construction.
“Bio-based materials often have a net-negative carbon footprint due to the sequestration effect,” explains Mazur. “This means that the carbon absorbed by the plants during their growth can offset the emissions from other processes, making hempcrete a highly sustainable choice.”
The study also delves into the thermal insulation properties of hempcrete, comparing it to commonly used materials like glass wool and rock wool. Hempcrete’s thermal conductivity coefficient ranges between 0.07 and 0.075 W∙m−1∙K−1, making it an effective insulator. This is particularly significant for livestock buildings, where maintaining stable thermal conditions is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. The global thermal insulation materials market is projected to reach USD 35.6 billion by 2029, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings. Biomass materials like hempcrete offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution that could capture a significant share of this market. Moreover, the simplicity of hempcrete construction could streamline the building process, making it an attractive option for the agricultural sector.
However, the study also highlights the challenges associated with biomass storage. Improper storage conditions can lead to increased temperature and decomposition, affecting the thermal properties of the insulation materials. This underscores the need for proper management and storage solutions to fully harness the benefits of biomass materials.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the findings of this study could shape future developments in sustainable building practices. The potential for biomass materials to reduce carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency is immense, and as Kamila Ewelina Mazur notes, “The perspective for the development of such a building market is very good. The advantage of the HB variant is its simplification of the building process. Besides that, hempcrete can be used wherever there are large fluctuations in air humidity.”
The research opens up new avenues for exploration, particularly in adapting bio-based materials to obtain globally recognized certifications. This could pave the way for wider acceptance and adoption of biomass materials in construction, driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.